LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the National Conference of Shomrim Soci-
eties for 52 years of distinguished service to its communities

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
National Conference of Shomrim Societies for 52 years of distinguished
service to its communities as volunteer civic safety patrol organiza-
tions; and
WHEREAS, The National Conference of Shomrim Societies was formed in
1958; in that year, Detective Lieutenant Lou Weiser and Chief Al Seedman
of the NYPD Shomrim, along with the late Captain Leon Chikofsky of the
Ner Tamid Society (NYFD) traveled around the country recruiting Shomrim
chapters to join under the banner of the National Conference; the
efforts of these tireless and vigilant workers is still evident today in
the continuing growth of membership in National Shomrim; and
WHEREAS, Before there was a National Shomrim, members of local organ-
izations traveled to each other's functions and events; the desire of
the founding members of National Shomrim was to coordinate communi-
cations between the chapters and improve service to the community; there
were eight chapters in the organization then and now it has grown to 20
chapters from coast to coast; and
WHEREAS, The Boro Park Shomrim of Brooklyn collectively volunteers
thousands of man-hours per year to keep the community safe; it has come
a long way from its humble beginnings more than 18 years ago when "the
bakery boys," a handful of bakery delivery drivers who saw acts of
vandalism and other crimes as they made their early-morning delivery
rounds to local food stores and restaurants, decided to do something
about it, organizing themselves into a citizens' anti-crime patrol; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, Boro Park Shomrim of Brooklyn has grown into
a well-organized, professionally trained unit of nearly 100 members, who
patrol the community day and night, distinguished by their light jackets
and walkie-talkies looking to deter crime before it happens with their
presence, to render assistance to the victims should something unfortu-
nate occur, and to work closely with the police department proactively
patrolling their designated sectors; and
WHEREAS, In early September of 2010, four volunteer members of the
Boro Park Shomrim put their lives at risk to courageously pursue a
perpetrator; these four heroes were unfortunately wounded in the proc-
ess, but their bravery serves as an inspiration to the community they
protect; they are Motty Perl, Motty Brauner, Joel Klein and Abe Kaztow;
Shomrim members truly embody commitment, dedication and service to their
neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Besides responding to emergencies like crimes and lost or
missing people, the Shomrim are active in trying to educate members of
the public to the dangers around them; Shomrim volunteers speak at
schools, synagogues and before other civic forums about the dangers of
drugs, street crime and terrorism, seeking to enlist the public's help;
and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, the National Conference of Shomrim's
distinguished record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of
this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the National Conference of Shomrim Societies for 52 years of
distinguished service to its communities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Conference of Shomrim Societies, Boro Park Shom-
rim of Brooklyn, and to the aforementioned honorees.